Children with the neurodevelopmental conditions intellectual disability or autism are the most vulnerable among children with special educational needs, scoring at the bottom of national attainment criteria (DfE, 2014). They face significant difficulties with school attendance. Previous research in this population found high levels of persistent absence and identified secondary school age, family socioeconomic factors, and type of school (mainstream, special) as potential risk factors for absenteeism (Totsika et al., 2020; Totsika et al., 2022). However, evidence on potential risk factors for absenteeism is limited by the use of convenience samples and cross-sectional data. Furthermore, no evidence exists on the risk to attainment from persistent absence in this population.
Using linked administrative data from the Growing up in England (GUIE) dataset, this PhD project will investigate the following research questions:
- Prevalence of school absence and persistent absence among children with neurodevelopmental conditions (intellectual disability and/or autism)
- School, child, family sociodemographic risk factors for persistent absenteeism.
- The association between persistent absenteeism with future educational attainment
Over the course of the PhD the student will analyse longitudinal administrative data drawing on epidemiological methods to describe school absence and its association with student educational attainment as well as risk factors for persistent absenteeism.
Findings will contribute to identifying factors placing students at risk for persistent absence as well as outcomes of absence. The results will be relevant to current educational policy about school attendance (for example, DfE school attendance 2022).
Candidate Requirements
The PhD is available as a 1+ 3 or +3 award.
Applicants should have a strong first degree (first or upper 2:1) in psychology, statistics, education or a related field from a recognised UK University or the equivalent qualification if gained outside the UK. Applicants are expected to be able to demonstrate strong foundation skills in quantitative data analysis (for example, through appropriate modules taken during undergraduate studies and the application of quantitative statistical methods for their undergraduate dissertation). Good foundation skills in research methods and/or epidemiology are expected and may be evidenced through relevant modules selected during the undergraduate degree and through additional research undertaken.
Applicants for the +3 award may already hold (or expect to be awarded by September 2023) a Master’s degree with an appropriate level of research training.
All applicants are required to have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Applicants should have a strong interest in neurodevelopmental conditions and/or epidemiological research. During the first year, the student will undertake a Master’s Degree in the Division of Psychiatry (in Mental Health Research), whilst applying for access to the data and doing relevant training.
If the successful applicant already has a relevant Master’s degree, they may proceed directly to the PhD (+3 years). Additional training might be needed in relation to he project (i.e., the student may still have to undertake modules in parallel to their PhD).
The funder (ADR UK) is expecting regular reports on student progress and engagement in audits of their funding scheme, seminars and dissemination. The student should be prepared to respond to the funder in a timely manner.
A 3-month placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations as part of the training will be undertaken during the course of the PhD (likely in the 1st or 3rd year of the PhD).
How to apply:
For more information and to submit an application, please follow this link: https://ubel-dtp.ac.uk/administrative-data-research-studentship-competition/
Further information
Please contact Dr Gemma Lewis ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr Vaso Totsika ([Email Address Removed]) if you require further information.
Interview date: Wednesday 15th March 2023
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